Authority Budget Office Policy Guidance: Board Member TrainingCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 09/01/2006Author: New York Authority Budget Office
In this policy guidance document, the Authority Budget Office outlines the training requirements and best practices for state and local public authority boards, including the timeframes for board member training, the board members who are required to receive training, board member training that meets this requirement, and the need for refresher training. The policy guide also outlines procedures for an organization to become a state approved trainer.

Authority Budget Office Policy Guidance: Independence of Board MembersCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 03/01/2007Author: New York Authority Budget Office
In this policy guidance document, the Authority Budget Office outlines the importance of establishing and preserving the independence of public authority board members.

Civic Report No. 5: Debt and New York’s Public Authorities: Borrowing Like There’s No TomorrowCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 01/01/1998Author: William J. Stern & Edwin Rubenstein, Manhattan Inst.
This report asks: “Who is to blame for this staggering load of debt and the threat that it poses to the state’s economic health? The chief culprits are all-too-familiar: New York’s ever-expanding public authorities and the politicians and interest groups in Albany who benefit from their profligate ways.”

Hearing on Public Authority and Public Benefit Corporation ReformCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 03/11/1994Author: New York State Senate Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
This pdf includes testimony on public authority reforms from H. Carl McCall, then-New York State Comptroller, Barry M. Shulman, then counsel to the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority, Peter E. Stangl, then Chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Stanley Brezenoff, then Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Hearing on Public Authority and Public Benefit Corporation ReformCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 05/03/1994Author: New York State Senate Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
This pdf includes testimony on public authority reforms from Michael C. Ascher, then president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels (formerly the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority), Peter Lukas, president of the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association, Dr. Vinh Cam, then president of the Council of Asian Americans in Government, Damaso Seda, then president of Local 100 of the Transport Workers Union, Robert Di Nubila, the president of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Superior Officers Benevolent Association, S. David Freenman, then president and CEO of the New York Power Authority, and John H. Shafer, then executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority.

Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs)Category: ALLSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: Good Jobs First
This article discusses the basics of industrial revenue bonds, which are often used by public authorities to provide financing for private businesses.

Long Island Power Authority, Considerations for Rate SettingCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 11/30/2005Author: Alan G. Hevesi
Examines the rate increase in electricity costs in Long Island, New York and whether or not the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is functioning properly.

Long Island Power Authority, Review of Budget ProceduresCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 12/31/2003Author: Alan G. Hevesi
Examines the budget and spending practices of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and provides recommendations for improvement.

Long Island Power Authority, Summer 2006 LIPA BillsCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 05/31/2006
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) raised the electricity costs for residents on Long Island, New York. This report examines the cost increase, usage increase, and mitigation plan.

Millions at RiskCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: New York State Senate Committee on Investigations and Taxation

Municipal Use of Local Development Corporations and Other Private Entities: Background, Issues and RecommendationsCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 04/14/2011Author: New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
New York’s counties, cities, towns, and villages frequently utilize local development corporations (LDCs) and other private entities for economic development and other activities. These LDCs and similar private entities are exempt from many of the constitutional and statutory provisions that guide the operations and financial transactions conducted by local governments.The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) currently does not have direct authority to audit LDCs or most other private entities, even when these entities are controlled by a local government. However, in instances where a local government has a financial relationship with an LDC or other private organization, OSC can initiate an audit of the local government itself and examine the financial relationship in that way. Through these types of audits, OSC has identified a number of transactions in which LDCs have been used primarily to avoid constitutional or statutory provisions that apply to local government operations and/or finances.The extent to which LDCs and similar entities are used for improper or inappropriate activities has been difficult to determine. Therefore, Comptroller DiNapoli is advancing a reform agenda that would give OSC direct audit authority over LDCs and other private organizations controlled by one or more local governments, and would limit the ability of local governments to circumvent the law by utilizing LDCs and other private organizations to finance the operations or capital assets of the local government.

New York Authority Budget Office Policy GuidanceCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: New York Authority Budget Office
The New York Authority Budget Office periodically produces policy guidance documents for public authority boards, which are collected at this website. Topics include board member training, corporate governance principles, board member independence, local financial disclosure, compliance review requirements, public authority websites, and the appropriate uses of executive sessions.

New York Racing Association, The Case for ReformCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 08/31/2003Author: Alan G. Hevesi
Addresses the financial status of the New York Racing Association (NYRA), regulations of the horse-racing industry, problems of the NYRA and recommended solutions.

New York State Constitutional Convention Committee Reports (1938)Category: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental Reports
The Reports of the New York State Constitutional Convention Committee, commonly known as the Poletti Report, were prepared prior to the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1938 and printed as a series of twelve volumes. These volumes were intended to serve as impartial research and background information for the delegates of the Convention so that they could “discharge their duties wisely, deliberately and without waste of time and money.”All 12 volumes are available from the New York State Library Digital Collection as PDFs. They include an annotated version of the constitution as it existed prior to the 1938 amendments (Vol. 1); amendments proposed to the consitution between 1895 and 1937 (Vol. 2); constitutions of the other states and the federal government (Vol. 3); a thorough discussion of the framework and principles of state and local governments (Vol. 4), including a separate discussion of New York City government (Vol. 5); and materials relating to particular problems (Vols. 6-11). Volume 12 is an index.Volume 10, which covers taxation and finance, presents historical background on state finances and indebtedness, local taxation and expenditures, local indebtedness, and other problems. While not recommending particular changes, the report draws on the historical material to inform its analysis of then-current proposals.

New York State Government: What it does, How it worksCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: Robert B. Ward
Robert B. Ward, New York State Government: what it Does, How it Works 300 (2002); Black’s Law Dictionary 152 (9th ed. 2009).

New York State Governor’s Task Force on the Implementation of the 2009 Public Authorities Reform Act ReportCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 08/15/2010
The Governor’s Task Force on the Implementation of the 2009 Public Authorities Reform Act (PARA) was established by Governor Paterson in Executive Order 32, was created to: make recommendations and provide policy guidance on the implementation of PARA, with special emphasis on the parameters and scope of the fiduciary duty applicable to board members of public authorities under PARA; interact with and provide guidance to the Authorities Budget Office; and facilitate the maximization of New York state resources in support of the reconstituted ABO.

New York State Job Development Authority digital collection (New York State Library)Category: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental Reports
The New York State Library’s digital collection on the Job Development Authority includes a 1961 memorandum that gives a description of the authority in question and answer form, a 1962 brochure describing the authority and its activities, and its annual report for 1993-1994.

New York State Public Authority Reform: Where We Have Come From and Where We need to Go, 11 N.Y. St. B. Ass’n Gov’t L. & Pol’y J., 1, 15 (2009)Category: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: Lynn Wilxon & Clayton Eichelberger

New YorkState Public Authority Reform: Where We Have Come From and Where We Need To GoCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: Lyn Wilxon & Clayton Eichelberger

Lynn Wilxon & Clayton Eichelberger, New York State Public Authority Reform: Where We Have Come From and Where We need to Go, 11 N.Y. St. B. Ass’n Gov’t L. & Pol’y J., 1, 15 (2009).

No Return on Our Investment: The Failure of New York’s Industrial Development Authorities (July 2010)Category: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 07/15/2010Author: New York Jobs With Justice
A follow up on a 2007 report, N.Y. Jobs With Justice analyzed data on IDAs and determined that “the performance of IDAs has worsened[.]” NYJWJ proposes a 9-point platform for reform:Business Standards
1. Wage Standards for construction & permanent jobs created by subsidized projects
2. Regional Hiring Requirements and Apprenticeship Programs to ensure that development creates jobs and training opportunities for local workers
3. High Performance Building and Environmental Standards to prevent sprawl and encourage smart growthAccountability Measures
4. Local Government Oversight of IDA project approvals
5. Subsidy Recapture Mechanisms, or “Clawbacks,” to provide a money-back guarantee for companies that default on their contract commitments
6. Designated IDA Board Representation to ensure that a broad range of stakeholder interests are included in decision-making
7. Anti-Raiding Measures to prevent IDAs from engaging in unhealthy competition that results in job shifting from one region to another rather than real job creationTransparency Reforms
8. Community Impact Reports & Accessible Public Hearings that disclose the potential impacts
of IDA developments and allow for meaningful dialogue on the impacts, costs and benefits by
local stakeholders
9. Increased Monitoring and Improved Reporting by IDAs and their projects on
activities, performance, and commitment

Performance of Industrial Development AgenciesCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 01/31/2008Author: Thomas P. DiNapoli
Analyzes the financial and employment trends of New York State Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs), as well as proposals to improve oversight and accountability.

Preliminary ReportCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 11/30/1990Author: York State Thruway Authority Transition Advisory Council

Progress Report: The MTA Capital Security ProgramCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 12/31/2007
The fourth in a series of reports tracking the progression of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Capital Security System.

Promoting Accountability and Taming DebtCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 08/31/2006Author: Citizens Budget Commission
Examines the five major problems with New York State’s Public Authorities and includes proposed solutions to those problems.

Public Authorities and Private Firms as Providers of Public GoodsCategory: ALLSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 09/01/1994Author: Clayton P. Gillette (Reason Foundation)
This report from the Reason Foundation suggests two primary policy implications: “First, public authorities should be made more accountable, perhaps by removing the immunities they currently enjoy. Second, and more fundamentally, the decision to have public authorities provide major infrastructure should be reconsidered, since private firms can often perform these same public functions, while not suffering from the institutional disadvantages of public authorities.”

Public Authorities in New York StateCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 03/31/2006Author: Citizens Budget Commission
Overview of New York State Public Authorities, major problems, and proposed solutions.

Public Authorities in New York State: Accelerating Momentum to Achieve ReformCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 02/01/2005Author: Alan G. Hevesi
Addresses the insufficient oversight and accountability of New York State Public Authorities, and the steps taken by the New York State Legislature and Governor’s Administration in relation to this topic.

Public Authority Governance in New York StateCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 07/31/2004Author: New York State Office of the Comptroller
Addresses the need for stronger authority boards and the topic of corporate governance reform of public authorities.

Public Benefit Corporations in New York CityCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: New York State Charter Revision Commission for New York City

Record and Journal of the Constitutional Convention of the State of New York (1938)Category: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental Reports
The 1938 amendments to the New York State Constitution imposed new rules on state financing and had important effects on public authorities. The Journal of the Constitutional Convention, available as PDF files from the New York State Library Digital Collection, recounts the debates that shaped these amendments, as well as others. Also available are the Revised Record of the Constitutional Convention, the Appendix to the Journal, and text of the proposed amendments.

Reports and Proceedings of the Constitutional Convention of the State of New York (1967)Category: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental Reports
The New York State Library Digital Collection includes various documents from the 1967 Constitutional Convention. Although this was the last state constitutional convention to be held, none of the proposed amendments were adopted when they were submitted to the people.The 12-volume Proceedings of the Constitutional Convention includes the journal, record, propositions and documents of the 1967 Constitutional Convention.The Reports of the New York State Temporary State Commission on the Constitutional Convention provide historical and background materials intended to help the Commissioners to address various problems. Public authorities are discussed in the report on State finance.

Restoring Credit and Confidence: A Reform Program for New York State and Its Public Authorities (24 MB pdf)Category: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 03/31/1976Author: New York State Moreland Act Commission on the Urban Development Corporation and Other State Financing Agencies
The 1976 Moreland Act report on public authorities was commissioned by Governor Carey following the near collapse of the Urban Development Corporation, which had issued debt far surpassing its resources. One of the major reforms to come from this report was the creation in 1976 of the Public Authorities Control Board. An article summarizing the findings of the commission is available here.

Staff Report on Public Authorities Under New York StateCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: New York State Temporary State Commission on Coordination of State Activities

Statewide Public Authorities: A Fourth Branch of Government?Category: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 11/01/1972Author: New York State Comptroller
This 1972 Comptroller’s report on public authorities includes a definition of public authorities, a discussion of their operations and evolution into larger scale corporations, and information on state support for public authority operations and their financial viability.

The High Cost of Leasing Schools: The Loophole in the Public Authorities LawCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsPublication Date: 05/01/2008Author: New York City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum
This report by the New York City Public Advocate sheds light on a loophole in the Public Authorities Law that allows the New York City School Construction Authority to bypass public participation and environmnetal review requirements when it leases existing buildings for use as schools. As stated in the executive summary, “The courts have interpreted the law as requiring community notification and City Council oversight only for additions to existing school buildings or new construction, not for existing buildings leased by the SCA. Because of these court decisions, the City Council has not had the opportunity to review site plans for the Soundview Campus and at least three other school sites across the city.”

The Ideal Deal: How Local Governments Can Get More for Their Economic Development Dollar (March 2007)Category: ALLSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: Rachel Weber (University of Illinois at Chicago) and David Santacroce (University of Michigan Law School) (Good Jobs First)
This report contends that if economic development agencies intend to continue offering incentives, they should do so in a smarter manner. Topics discussed include valuation of public costs and benefits, performance standards, disclosure and oversight, and contract enforcement.

The New York State Temporary Commission on Constitutional Revision (1994)Category: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental Reports
Although New York voters rejected having a constitutional convention in 1997, a Temporary Commission was set up in 1994. Including among the PDF documents available through the New York State Library Digital Collection are The New York State Constitution: A Briefing Book, edited by Gerald Benjamin and including a chapter on state finances and public authorities, and the Temporary Commission’s report titled Effective Government Now for the New Century: A Report to the People, the Governor, and the Legislators of New York.

Underground Government: Preliminary Report on Authorities and Other public CorporationsCategory: NYSub-category: Government and Non-Governmental ReportsAuthor: New York State Commission on Government Integrity